AstraZeneca PLC (AZN)vsWest Pharmaceutical Services Inc (WST)
AZN
AstraZeneca PLC
$182.85
+0.18%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $286.68B
WST
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc
$325.92
+1.21%
HEALTHCARE · Cap: $22.08B
Smart Verdict
WallStSmart Research — data-driven comparison
AstraZeneca PLC generates 1776% more annual revenue ($60.44B vs $3.22B). AZN leads profitability with a 17.2% profit margin vs 16.9%. AZN appears more attractively valued with a PEG of 1.52. WST earns a higher WallStSmart Score of 67/100 (B-).
AZN
Buy62
out of 100
Grade: C+
WST
Strong Buy67
out of 100
Grade: B-
Intrinsic Value Comparison
Multi-model valuation · Graham Formula
Margin of Safety
+6.6%
Fair Value
$220.34
Current Price
$182.85
$37.49 discount
Margin of Safety
-32.4%
Fair Value
$185.95
Current Price
$325.92
$139.97 premium
Key Strengths & Concerns
Side-by-side fundamental analysis
Key Strengths
Mega-cap, among the largest globally
Every $100 of equity generates 24 in profit
Strong operational efficiency at 28.2%
Generating 1.8B in free cash flow
Earnings expanding 56.1% YoY
Safe zone — low bankruptcy risk
Strong operational efficiency at 21.7%
Revenue surging 21.0% year-over-year
Areas to Watch
Expensive relative to growth rate
Moderate valuation
Distress zone — elevated risk
Expensive relative to growth rate
Premium valuation, high expectations priced in
Comparative Analysis Report
WallStSmart ResearchBull Case : AZN
The strongest argument for AZN centers on Market Cap, Return on Equity, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 17.2% and operating margin at 28.2%. Revenue growth of 12.5% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bull Case : WST
The strongest argument for WST centers on EPS Growth, Altman Z-Score, Operating Margin. Profitability is solid with margins at 16.9% and operating margin at 21.7%. Revenue growth of 21.0% demonstrates continued momentum.
Bear Case : AZN
The primary concerns for AZN are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio, Altman Z-Score.
Bear Case : WST
The primary concerns for WST are PEG Ratio, P/E Ratio. A P/E of 41.8x leaves little room for execution misses.
Key Dynamics to Monitor
AZN profiles as a mature stock while WST is a growth play — different risk/reward profiles.
WST carries more volatility with a beta of 1.17 — expect wider price swings.
WST is growing revenue faster at 21.0% — sustainability is the question.
AZN generates stronger free cash flow (1.8B), providing more financial flexibility.
Bottom Line
WST scores higher overall (67/100 vs 62/100), backed by strong 16.9% margins and 21.0% revenue growth. Both earn "Strong Buy" and "Buy" ratings respectively — the choice depends on your investment horizon and risk tolerance.
This analysis is generated from publicly available financial data. Not financial advice.
AstraZeneca PLC
HEALTHCARE · DRUG MANUFACTURERS - GENERAL · USA
AstraZeneca PLC discovers, develops, manufactures and markets prescription drugs in the areas of oncology, cardiovascular, renal and metabolism, respiratory, infections, neuroscience and gastroenterology worldwide. The company is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.
West Pharmaceutical Services Inc
HEALTHCARE · MEDICAL INSTRUMENTS & SUPPLIES · USA
West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. is a designer and manufacturer of injectable pharmaceutical packaging and delivery systems. The company is headquartered in Exton, Pennsylvania.
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